As district champs for the first time since 2023, the Freeland Falcons headed to Clare to take on the #1 team in Division 3, Elk Rapids. With neither team having conceded a goal yet in the postseason, both sides wondered when and where the first goal would come from. Sitting at 0-0 through the first 35 minutes, Elk Rapids created the majority of chances. Keeper Sawyer Prast made some tough saves to deny the Elks, and Freeland had one big chance that just missed. The defense battled, with Travis Lloyd shutting down the right side attack, however, in the 35th minute, Elk Rapids sent a ball from the left sideline into the box, where their 6'6" attacker connected with a header to take a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, the Elks sliced through the Falcon defense to set up a second goal going into the half. Freeland started the second half looking to cut the lead, but in the 52nd minute, Elk Rapids made it 3-0 on a corner kick. The Falcons cranked it up a notch and began applying their strongest pressure of the night, while Prast continued to make diving saves to keep the game within reach. Down to the final whistle, Freeland left blood, sweat and a red card on the field before eventually falling to Elk Rapids. A special thanks goes to the seniors who ushered the program through two coaching changes and brought Freeland back to championship caliber: Jackson Puvalowski (Captain), Ryan Harden (Captain), Nathan Anaya, Austin Kloha, Travis Lloyd and Brady Vandaele. In addition, shout-out to Jon Obeso, David Zanki and Mario Carrillo Moreno for adapting to futbol in America and being fantastic teammates!!